William Duke Wagner

WILLIAM DUKE WAGNER William Duke Wagner, 85, formerly of Henry, Il., died on Monday, October 5, 2009 at Franklin Grove Nursing Center, Franklin Grove, Il. He was a self-employed dentist for more than 50 years, and launched a second successful career as a certified substance abuse counselor in Spring Valley, Il. later in life. He was a friend of Bill W. He was born December 6, 1923 in Marseilles, Illinois to Marjorie Duke Wagner and Dr. John Harold Wagner, Sr. He lived most of his life in Henry, and attended Henry Grade School and Henry-Senachwine High School. He continued his education at Knox College, and enlisted in the Navy Reserves. He graduated from Northwestern University School of Dentistry. Years later, he graduated from the Dewey School of Orthodontia in New York City, and practiced orthodontia as well as general dentistry. He was commissioned as a Lt. JG in the United States Navy Dental Corps in 1950. He served in French Morocco as a Navy dentist in the early 1950s. He was a life-long member of American Legion Post 323, and a member of the Henry Rotary Club, and St. John’s Episcopal Church. Dr. Wagner married Elizabeth B. Dysart of Henry, Il, on July 5, 1947. She predeceased him in 1991. They were the parents of three children, William Dysart (Dyke) Wagner (& wife, Nancy), Rochelle, Il., Ann Elizabeth Wagner Kuzmik (& husband, Joseph), Monroe, NY, and John Kenneth Wagner, (& wife, Nancy), Mahomet, Il. Another son, Robert Kirby Wagner, died at birth. He was proud to be the grandfather of 12, Anthony and Edward Mancari, Eric, Kyle, and Scott Wagner, and Benjamin, Wendy, Zachary, Rebecca, Elizabeth, Joseph, and Lucas Wagner; and the great-grandfather of 4, Anna, Sarah, Maria, and Sofia Mancari. Dr. Wagner married Dorothy Mountz of Springfield, Il. on December 27, 1997. She predeceased him in 2009. They lived in Henry, Il and Springfield, and after her death, he moved from Springfield to Franklin Grove Nursing Center. He is survived by his brother, Dr. John Harold Wagner, Jr. and wife Ardis, of Oceanside, California, his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and many loving family members and friends. Graveside services will be held at Henry Cemetery on Thursday, October 8 at 11 a.m. with Fr. Dunaway presiding. Arrangements are under the direction of Coulon-Lyons Funeral Home, Rochelle, Il. According to a family statement, Dad was extremely intelligent, humorous, and interested in everyone and everything. He never stopped learning. He overcame many obstacles, and dedicated himself to helping others. We will miss him. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718.